Taming The Billionaire's Daughter

Chapter 6: Crisis Management

YUAN

"YUAN, I'm sure magiging interesado ang mga board sa investor na 'to," Tito Edmund said, leaning back in his chair, his tone calm and confident. "Pero bago tayo mag-commit, I want to make sure na nandito ka talaga long-term."

Alam ko kung ano na namang ini-imply nito ni Tito Edmund. It's been over a week since our conversation happened at the Cotaocos and ever since, it felt like he's been hinting at me about his offer. It also felt like he'd been pushing me to get closer to Raegan. Hindi naman sa hindi kagusto-gusto si Raegan. Again, the woman was smart, full of potential, and remarkably stunning. I was no stranger to business deals and contracts and all, but getting married was of course, a different story.

"I am, Tito Edmund. Alam mo naman 'yan. I wouldn't be here if I wasn't fully invested," I replied, taking a sip from my glass of brandy.

"Good," he nodded. "Let's talk about further details after dinner."

I glanced at my watch, feeling the weight of the day settle in. The market was stable and QuantumGate was in a good place right now. No reasons for concern.

Minutes later, we were all sitting at the dining table. This was the Guanzon home, and I had been here countless times. A good thirty-minute drive from the Manila Central Business Hub. There was always something homey about this place, unlike the Cotaoco mansion. Mas relaxed ang atmosphere dito. Plus, it had the warmth I preferred, like it was lived-in—comfortable. And while Haoran Cotaoco loved his gourmet dishes, here we were served home-cooked meals. Tonight's dinner was grilled fish and sautéed vegetables served with white rice.

Tito Edmund and his family had always been required to live at the Cotaoco mansion, being part of the family legacy and all that. But he admittedly kept this house, close to MCBH as their escape. Their own place where things were not about power or image.

Napatingin ako kay Raegan na nakaupo sa harap ko, katabi si Denise. Hindi ko alam kung anong iniisip niya, but she looked uneasy. Hindi kaya dahil sa nangyari kanina, in the streets of MCBH?

"Yuan, balita ko may bago kayong investor," sabi ni Iñigo, breaking my thoughts. "How's the deal going?"

"Good, so far. We just need to finalize some terms."

Napansin kong napatingin sa 'kin si Raegan, pero mabilis din naman siyang nagbawi.

Okay, I am starting to feel awkward.

Just then, a phone pinged.

"Ooh, sorry, it's mine," sabi ni Denise at saka inilabas ang phone.

"Naku, mukhang syota mo 'yang nag-text, ah," parang nanunuksong sabi ni Tito Edmund. "Gusto ko na ring magka-syota ulit itong si Raegan eh," dugtong pa niya at tumawa nang nakakaloko. "Yuan, masarap 'yung grilled fish ano? Mukhang may bagong seasoning na sinusubukan si Berta."

"Oh my god, you guys need to see this!" bulalas naman ni Denise na ikinagulat naming lahat. Everyone turned as she placed her phone in the middle of the table, showing a Glimmr video. It was me—pulling Raegan into an alley earlier today. I clearly understood what was going on but the angle, the context—everything about that video looked so wrong.

Mukha kasing pinupwersa ko nang husto si Raegan habang hawak niya 'yung sign na Looking For A Rich Husband.

"Did you upload that video?" tanong ko kay Denise.

"No!" tanggi niya. "Of course not! Si Amari Cuevas ang nag-upload. That filth must have been in the area rin kanina." She was fuming.

"Why does it look like you're buying a hooker, bro?" Iñigo silently commented.